Letter: Coming home

By Ashley Smith, New Bern

Published: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 02:39 PM.

It has been said by some that coming back home after many years of living elsewhere is not an easy proposition, but I am one that appreciates the task before me. Having moved back to my hometown, New Bern, I have again come to appreciate the character and ambience of this beautiful city and its’ historical heritage. New Bern has changed in some significant ways from my days as a young boy. The downtown area by the waterfront has seen the greatest physical transformation. Yet I must say that from my prospective I have noticed another significant change from my youth, one that has enhanced the overall character and vitality of our great city; its’ citizens.

While I was running for Ward 6 Alderman I met the most dedicated and appreciative individuals who are now proud of saying they live in New Bern. These individuals did not grow up in New Bern but decided to move here because they too recognized the special character of our city and its’ citizens. When I was meeting these people at their doors, while campaigning, I became aware that they had moved here from another state or city. Almost to the person they indicated that they moved here because of the city’s overall character and ambience. Those individuals who stayed in New Bern all their lives have so much to share. Their knowledge of our great city is invaluable. It is this commingling of our hometown locals and transplants that make our city such a great place to reside. Just look around and notice all the city leaders, not just elected officials, who came here from somewhere else to provide our community with their knowledge, time and dedication. New Bern is unique from all Eastern North Carolina communities and we must protect this uniqueness by recognizing and appreciating those individuals who strive to dedicate their time and expertise to keep New Bern moving forward.

Coming home has also provided me with some unique challenges, such as while walking down Middle St. I notice someone that seems to be an old friend from my high school days, but I can’t remember their name and they, just like me, have changed in appearance somewhat. Then I hear someone call their name out and I realize they are my old friends. This happens more often than I wish. You know, it is good to see old friends again after so many years. We have so much to share and learn from each other.

Finally, I want to wish all the newly elected Board of Alderman the best and hope they remember that they work for all the citizens of New Bern and were elected to serve the people by listing to all their concerns without prejudice. I also want to thank the many individuals who provided me with their support during the election process. You will not be forgotten.

It is great to be home.

Ashley Smith, New Bern

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It has been said by some that coming back home after many years of living elsewhere is not an easy proposition, but I am one that appreciates the task before me. Having moved back to my hometown, New Bern, I have again come to appreciate the character and ambience of this beautiful city and its’ historical heritage. New Bern has changed in some significant ways from my days as a young boy. The downtown area by the waterfront has seen the greatest physical transformation. Yet I must say that from my prospective I have noticed another significant change from my youth, one that has enhanced the overall character and vitality of our great city; its’ citizens.

While I was running for Ward 6 Alderman I met the most dedicated and appreciative individuals who are now proud of saying they live in New Bern. These individuals did not grow up in New Bern but decided to move here because they too recognized the special character of our city and its’ citizens. When I was meeting these people at their doors, while campaigning, I became aware that they had moved here from another state or city. Almost to the person they indicated that they moved here because of the city’s overall character and ambience. Those individuals who stayed in New Bern all their lives have so much to share. Their knowledge of our great city is invaluable. It is this commingling of our hometown locals and transplants that make our city such a great place to reside. Just look around and notice all the city leaders, not just elected officials, who came here from somewhere else to provide our community with their knowledge, time and dedication. New Bern is unique from all Eastern North Carolina communities and we must protect this uniqueness by recognizing and appreciating those individuals who strive to dedicate their time and expertise to keep New Bern moving forward.

Coming home has also provided me with some unique challenges, such as while walking down Middle St. I notice someone that seems to be an old friend from my high school days, but I can’t remember their name and they, just like me, have changed in appearance somewhat. Then I hear someone call their name out and I realize they are my old friends. This happens more often than I wish. You know, it is good to see old friends again after so many years. We have so much to share and learn from each other.

Finally, I want to wish all the newly elected Board of Alderman the best and hope they remember that they work for all the citizens of New Bern and were elected to serve the people by listing to all their concerns without prejudice. I also want to thank the many individuals who provided me with their support during the election process. You will not be forgotten.